Walk for Warmth raises $10,365 for utility payments

Monday

Feb 18, 2013 at 10:24 PM

Rambo said the whole event grew out of a church's Bible study in 2009.“I was at a Bible study and someone came in and asked help for utilities,” he said. “The pastor said it was common to get requests everyday.”

Richard Crofton

By RICHARD CROFTONrichard@cheboygantribune.comCHEBOYGAN — In its fourth year of existence in Cheboygan County, the Walk for Warmth had another successful day Saturday.Those who participated in the 2.18-mile event helped raise $10,365.50 for this year. "We experience a little cold so others can experience a little heat," said event coordinator Rik Rambo. "We have helped 154 families since this has started."Even though this year's event fell slightly from last year's total, he said it still will help a lot of families keep their utilities on."If everybody did something, nobody would have to do everything," he said. "We had raised $5,500 before the doors opened with donations. We also have helped three families already."Rambo said the whole event grew out of a church's Bible study in 2009."I was at a Bible study and someone came in and asked help for utilities," he said. "The pastor said it was common to get requests everyday."Rambo said he started talking with people about doing something as a community ― and the Walk for Warmth idea was born."We can give up to $300 per family for utilities in Cheboygan County," he said. "They first have to go to DHS (Department of Human Services), then the Salvation Army and then us. They have to have a cutoff notice and we will pay the utility company directly."The organizer said the amount paid must keep the utility on as "We are not in business to keep the utility company going."Rambo said the event has helped many since it was started."The first year, we had some just ask for $17," he said. "Our goal is to raise $20,000 every year."The group has not reached that goal yet, but have done well in its efforts.In 2010, $8,200 was raised and 36 families assisted; in 2011, 50 families were assisted and $12,000 was raised; and last year, $13,800 was raised and 68 families helped."People receive $240 on average from our program," Rambo said. "However, the problem continues to grow."Some of those who participated in Saturday's event said they did it because people need help."I was invited here by friends. Michigan's economy is tough," said Bill Lytle of Metamora, Michigan. "It is a way to help. We should be doing it."Nina and Brian Speranza of Alanson said they were walking to help people out."We are pretty fortunate to both have jobs," they said. "We want to give something back."Jolene Kennedy of Cheboygan said she took part in the event last year."It is a way to raise money and it is a good cause," she said.Rambo, who also is the executive director of the Straits Area Services, said the group always is looking for volunteers to help and meetings will start in March for the informal group. "I have been told I can't leave," he said of his position as coordinator. "That's fine. I love it."